Law and Business, Enrollment is Open

Siena College and Albany Law School have announced a new joint JD/MBA program that will enable students to simultaneously earn a law degree and a master's in business administration.

Enrollment in the program is now open. Admitted students will take the equivalent of 12 credits at Albany Law that will be applied to the Siena MBA. After completing core and elective MBA requirements here, students will be able to choose from one of four concentrations: business analytics, finance, marketing, and strategic management. (A fifth concentration in health care leadership is awaiting state approval.) Students will complete their juris doctor degree at Albany Law.

James Murtagh, Ph.D. professor of finance and director of the Siena MBA program, said the curriculum was developed to offer a strong core of business skills with a concentration to add depth in a particular area of study. Combined with a law degree, graduates will bring a strong academic background not only to a law career, but to the management of a law practice.

"A joint JD/MBA prepares students well to work with business clients in corporate or contract law," said Murtagh. "They will have a stronger understanding of that context and be able to better serve their clients. In addition, they can more effectively manage the operations of a law firm."

The joint JD/MBA is targeted to "a very particular type of student," said Murtagh, one who is probably first and foremost interested in law but desires the broader professional applications available with the addition of an MBA. With full-time study, the program can be completed in four years.

Leonard Cutler, Ph.D. professor of political science and pre-law advisor, helped develop the new program.

"Increasingly, law firms today are looking for their associates to be trained for the practice of law and to have solid business skills," said Cutler. "Earning an MBA from Siena and a JD from Albany Law School truly addresses this need, and is another example of the successful collaborative partnership we have established between our two schools."

Siena and Albany Law also maintain the following academic partnerships:

• 3+2 accelerated program that enables students to earn a bachelor's degree and juris doctor in five years rather than the typical seven.
• 4+3 early admissions program
• Dual B.A. in health studies and M.S. in legal studies
• Joint master of science in accounting and juris doctor

Rashmi Assudani, Ph.D., dean of Siena's School of Business said, "In an increasingly inter-connected and complex world, the JD/MBA program is designed to equip students with sound foundations in business and law. I am thrilled that the Siena College School of Business and Albany Law School have advanced on this joint agreement."

Cinnamon Carlarne, JD, president and dean of Albany Law School, visited Siena on October 25 to speak with Saints interested in a career in law.

"We're looking to educate lawyers who are also leaders," said Carlarne. "A career in law offers power and opportunity, but there is also an obligation that comes with that to use your law degree effectively and well. We know that Siena students who come to Albany Law are going to go out into the world to make a positive impact."

She said students come to law school from a variety of majors, not just political science or criminal justice.

"The new joint JD/MBA program resides at the intersection of law, business and finance. While a JD can open doors, a JD and MBA together open even more doors. There are a lot of older law school alumni who wish they had this opportunity."